Reflexology is not a massage.
Reflexology is not in itself a therapy to diagnose diseases and ailments, and it does not cure illnesses, but when used correctly it can help to create balance within the body to facilitate healing and increase wellbeing for many different conditions. Sessions can help create a sense of inner calmness, which can make it easier to attain spiritual, mental and physical goals of all sorts. Reflexology acknowledges the need to treat a person as a whole, rather than just the current symptoms that they are experiencing.
“Reflexology, an integrative health practice, maps a reflection of the body predominantly on the feet, hands and outer ears. It uses unique manual techniques to deliver pressure to neural pathways, assisting the body to function optimally.”
— From the ARCB, NCRE and the RAA Delegate Assembly, 2019
Reflexology, a type of bodywork, is both the science and the art of stimulating specific areas in the hands, feet, face and ears to encourage the release of trapped tension throughout the ten zones of the body, to strengthen nerve connections, to increase blood flow to areas that need it, and to increase the function of all systems for the greatest optimal health. When done well, reflexology gently encourages the body, from the inside out, to heal itself.
Your feet are a mirror image of your body.
Every part of the human body is mapped into your feet. Reflexology focuses on applying pressure to specific nerve zones, or reflex points, to stimulate neural pathways, linking body systems and supporting the body’s efforts to function optimally. Unlike other foot massages that tend to relieve tension in the feet themselves, reflexology is an in-depth science that allows the body to return to wellness, to improve circulation, to encourage lymphatic drainage, and to release buildup of toxins. Reflexology treatments have been found to be highly effective for conditions such as allergies, headaches, digestion, insomnia, back and neck pain, shoulder pain, neuropathy, depression, and many more.
“Reflexology is similar to acupressure and acupuncture in that it theorizes an influence on the body’s vital energy through the stimulation of points on the body. However, acupressure/acupuncture points do not always coincide with the reflex points used in reflexology.”
— University Of Minnesota
Reflexology also works to relieve stress, but it goes about it in a slightly different way. Reflexology works by relieving stress throughout the body by focusing on the hands and feet and there are no needles involved. There are pressure points in these areas that correspond to other parts of the body that are not normally reached with a normal massage. This is a great way for the practitioner to access a specific area that is giving you trouble without touching the area itself. This is done by stimulating the pressure point, similar to a massage. This practice is noninvasive so some people may prefer this over needles.
There are other benefits to reflexology.
Physician orders are not required for this therapy; it can be readily accessed by anyone.
Reflexology is included in the health topics of the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, and research in reflexology has shown positive outcomes in many disease processes.
“Reflexology is more detoxifying than a full body massage.”
— Claire Marie Miller, Massage Hall of Fame
There has been an increase in research in the field of reflexology in the past two decades. Reflexology is experiencing growing recognition due to its effectiveness in stress management and pathological conditions.
Can reflexology replace traditional medical treatments?
No. Reflexology treatment should never be used as a substitute for the consultation of a medical practitioner. Always consult your medical practitioner(s) if you plan to use reflexology to help with any medical condition. Remember that reflexology is a complementary therapy and should be used together with a conventional medical treatment plan.
For suggestions in talking to your practitioner(s), the National Cancer Institute has created the pamphlet Talking About Complementary And Alternative Medicine With Health Care Providers: A Workbook And Tips to help.